Did Dodgers try sneaky move to keep Ben Rortvedt despite DFA?

"Amid a flurry of roster moves the Los Angeles Dodgers made last week was one that seemingly went under the radar and led to Ben Rortvedt getting claimed off waivers by the Cincinnati Reds after being designated for assignment. Rortvedt was a surprising contributor this past season and played a key role filling in for Will Smith while he was injured. The 28-year-old was acquired by the Dodgers at the trade deadline, along with Paul Gervase and Adam Serwinowski in a three-team deal with the Tampa Bay Rays and Reds."

"One interesting note about Rortvedt's situation is that he and the Dodgers avoided arbitration by agreeing to a new contract prior to being put on waivers, according to Kiley McDaniel of ESPN: C Ben Rortvedt signed a $1.25 million big league deal with the Dodgers before being put on waivers, per source. He was arbitration eligible. Rortvedt was claimed off waivers yesterday by the Reds. - Kiley McDaniel (@kileymcd) November 13, 2025 If the Dodgers knew they were going to place Rortvedt on waivers, there wouldn't appear to be a need for them to give him a new contract on the surface level. Their motivation could have been any number of things."

"Whatever the reason, the Dodgers will have to figure out their organizational depth chart at catcher behind Smith and Dalton Rushing after losing Rortvedt and trading away Hunter Feduccia at the deadline. As it currently stands, Smith and Rushing are the only two catchers on the 40-man roster. The team did already sign Eliezer Alfonzo to a Minor League contract so far this offseason."

Ben Rortvedt was designated for assignment by the Dodgers and then claimed off waivers by the Cincinnati Reds. He filled in for injured Will Smith and contributed unexpectedly during the season. The Dodgers acquired Rortvedt at the trade deadline along with Paul Gervase and Adam Serwinowski in a three-team deal with the Rays and Reds. Gervase made one appearance for the Dodgers in 2025, while Serwinowski performed well in limited High-A action. Rortvedt signed a $1.25 million major-league deal with the Dodgers before being placed on waivers. The Dodgers currently have Will Smith and Dalton Rushing as the only catchers on the 40-man roster and signed Eliezer Alfonzo to a minor-league contract this offseason.

Read at Dodger Blue